Xi Engages Global CEOs Amid Declining Foreign Investment

Chinese President Xi Jinping met with global business leaders in Beijing, aiming to enhance investor confidence amid rising U.S. tariffs that have contributed to a significant drop in foreign direct investment (FDI) in China. The meeting included executives from major firms such as BMW, Mercedes, Qualcomm, and Apple, as part of a broader effort to strengthen ties with foreign companies and counteract economic uncertainty. This initiative follows recent data revealing a 27.1% decline in FDI, the largest drop since the 2008 financial crisis, prompting many global firms to reconsider their manufacturing strategies in China. Xi's outreach comes as the U.S. has imposed tariffs and heightened scrutiny on Chinese tech companies, complicating the trade relationship further. During discussions, Premier Li Qiang emphasized the need for open markets and cooperation to mitigate the impacts of trade wars. The frequency of high-level engagements between Chinese officials and foreign executives has increased recently, reflecting China's ongoing efforts to stabilize its economy in the face of external pressures.